Hobby & Interest Cruises

Bring Your Hobby on Vacation

Whatever you do in your spare time, someone has probably organized a cruise around it. Hobby cruises range from a handful of friends with a shared pastime to large groups with a full program of workshops, tournaments and instructors.

Most hobby cruises are theme groups on regular sailings: an instructor, club or event organizer reserves cabins and meeting space, then runs sessions on sea days while members enjoy ports and the ship like everyone else. A few large hobby events charter a whole ship.

The appeal is simple. On land, a hobby weekend means booking a venue, a hotel and meals for everyone. At sea, the ship provides all three, and the destinations come free with the deal. A photography group gets new scenery every day; a dance group gets a ballroom and a live band every evening; a card club gets a quiet room and plenty of time. Members who bring a partner who doesn’t share the hobby will find the partner has plenty to do too.

Planning Tips for Hobby Groups

• Ask about space early. Meeting rooms are limited and usually go to groups that ask first.
• Check the rules for equipment. Cruise lines restrict some items onboard; confirm before packing anything unusual such as large tripods, sewing machines or exercise gear.
• Know the gaming rules. Card games for prizes and tournaments must follow the cruise line’s policies, and ship casinos close in port. Organizers arrange tournaments with the line in advance.
• Pick a ship with sea days. Workshops and tournaments need time at sea; a port-heavy itinerary leaves little room.
• Plan shore time around the hobby. Private tours can be arranged for photo groups, dancers or birders.

Starting your own hobby group? See how theme groups are organized, or ask our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise to help.